Wed Nov 06 16:43:14 UTC 2024: ## Supreme Court Mandates Compensation for Sexual Assault Victims
**New Delhi, November 6, 2024:** In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court has directed all Sessions Courts across India to mandatorily order compensation for victims of sexual assault, especially minors and women. This decision comes after the court observed that the existing provision for victim compensation under Section 357A of the Code of Criminal Procedure was rarely being implemented.
The Supreme Court bench, led by Justice B.V. Nagarathna, emphasized that the Sessions Courts must consider the facts and circumstances of each case while determining the amount of compensation. This can be done even before a final verdict, with the court empowered to order interim compensation based on the specific details of the case.
The court’s order highlighted the need for prompt action in providing compensation to victims, emphasizing that the District Legal Services Authority or the State Legal Services Authority should ensure the swift release of funds.
To ensure this directive is implemented effectively, the Supreme Court has ordered its Registry to send copies of the order to all State High Courts, who will then transmit it to district judges across the country. This move signifies a crucial step towards ensuring that victims of sexual assault receive the justice and support they deserve.
First Piper 